This Surah (At-Takathur) is named as such due to the opening verse, and in some cases a surah is also given its name due to it being the opening word in the Chapter. There is a reason for Surah At-Takathur being placed next to Surah Al-Qari’ah. Surah Al-Qari’ah mentioned some things that will take place on the day of judgment, the reward of the blissful ones, and the reward of the wretched ones. In this Surah (At-Takathur) there is a reason why the wretched ones deserve the hell-fire. This is due to their pleasures of this life over seeking the hereafter, and due to their persevering of sins.

 

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ (١)

The mutual rivalry (for piling up of worldly things) diverts you, (1)

 

At-takathur is to compete with one another to attain wealth and outdo those around you.

 

حَتَّىٰ زُرۡتُمُ ٱلۡمَقَابِرَ (٢)

Until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die). (2)

 

This mutual rivalry has preoccupied you to such an extent that it is something done up until death.

 

كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ(٣)

Nay! You shall come to know! (3)

 

The Arabic word ‘كَلَّا’ also means to refrain from.

 

ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ (٤)

Again, Nay! You shall come to know! (4)

 

Meaning that once you enter the grave you will know your mistake (concerning your wealth and children).

 

كَلَّا لَوۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ عِلۡمَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ(٥)

Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge (the end result of piling up, you would not have been occupied yourselves in worldly things) (5)

 

لَتَرَوُنَّ ٱلۡجَحِيمَ(٦)

Verily, You shall see the blazing Fire (Hell)! (6)

 

ثُمَّ لَتَرَوُنَّہَا عَيۡنَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ(٧)

And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight! (7)

 

Certainty is of three levels:

  1. Certainty of knowledge
  2. Certainty of sight
  3. Certainty of actualisation

 

ثُمَّ لَتُسۡـَٔلُنَّ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ عَنِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ (٨)

Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delights[] (you indulged in, in this world)! (8)

 

Here is a warning that we will see the hellfire with certainty, and that we will be questioned about the things we did in this life.

Shaykh Uthaymeen mentions a very important point related to this surah: it is obligatory for the Qari (reciter) that he doesn’t connect two verses together in this Surah (i.e. ayah 5 and 6 together) because if you bring these two verses together, it will not bring the correct meaning.

 

For more benefits from this lesson please listen to the full talk Baarakallaahu Feekum.